Waiblingen News: Kyocera, Hess, And Local Updates Today!

Ms. Mia Grimes 11 May 2025

Ever wondered how a seemingly simple piece of land in Waiblingen can become the epicenter of industrial and real estate intrigue? The story unfolding in this German town is a fascinating blend of corporate strategy, family legacies, and municipal ambition, a tale where the future of ceramics manufacturing intertwines with the echoes of a historic tile factory.

Waiblingen, Germany, a locale typically known for its serene landscapes and historical charm, is currently witnessing a flurry of activity that has captured the attention of business magnates and local residents alike. At the heart of this buzz is the intersection of several key players: Kyocera Fineceramics Medical GmbH, Ebner Immobilien (a prominent real estate enterprise), the city of Waiblingen itself, and the Hess family, descendants of the founders of the esteemed Falzziegelfabrik Waiblingen Hermann Hess & Sohn GmbH u. A series of intense discussions were held in April 2024, aimed at navigating a complex situation involving land development, industrial expansion, and the preservation of local heritage.

Hess Family & Related Entities: Key Information
Entity Name	Falzziegelfabrik Waiblingen Hermann Hess & Sohn GmbH u.
Business Type	Historic Tile and Brick Factory (formerly), Real Estate Interests
Location	Waiblingen, Germany
Historical Significance	Significant contributor to the region's industrial past, known for its traditional tile manufacturing.
Current Status	Involved in discussions with Kyocera, Ebner Immobilien, and the city of Waiblingen regarding land use and development.
Key Individuals	Hess Family (descendants of the founders)
Relationship to Kyocera Deal	Land owners, potentially involved in selling or leasing property for Kyocera's expansion.
Related Links
Official Website of Waiblingen: Waiblingen.de

The catalyst for these discussions is Kyocera, a global powerhouse in fine ceramics, specifically Kyocera Fineceramics Medical GmbH. The company, driven by increasing demand for its products and a commitment to innovation, sought to expand its facilities in Waiblingen. This expansion required land, and the most viable option involved property either owned by or closely associated with the Hess family and their former tile factory. This is where Ebner Immobilien, a seasoned player in the real estate market, stepped in to facilitate negotiations, leveraging their expertise to broker a deal that would satisfy all parties involved.

The complexities surrounding this deal are multifaceted. The Falzziegelfabrik Waiblingen Hermann Hess & Sohn GmbH u, though no longer operating as a tile factory, holds significant historical value for the region. The Hess family, therefore, had a vested interest in ensuring that any development respected this legacy. Moreover, the city of Waiblingen, under the leadership of Oberbürgermeister Sebastian Wolf, aimed to foster economic growth while preserving the town's unique character. For Wolf, this situation represents a "schönes beispiel," a prime example of how collaboration between private enterprise and public interest can lead to mutually beneficial outcomes.

Kyocera's expansion plans are not merely about increasing production capacity; they symbolize a long-term investment in Waiblingen and the surrounding region. The new facility promises to bring new jobs, stimulate economic activity, and solidify Waiblingen's position as a hub for advanced manufacturing. This commitment was underscored by the official announcement on October 8th, 2024, which detailed the plans for a new facility for Kyocera Fineceramics Medical GmbH in Waiblingen. The announcement, originating from both Kyoto and London, emphasized the strategic importance of this expansion to Kyocera's global operations.

However, the road to this expansion was not without its challenges. The negotiations involved delicate balancing acts, particularly concerning the Bodenrichtwerte (land values) for Waiblingen and Korb, a neighboring municipality. The joint valuation committee of Waiblingen/Korb convened on February 26, 2024, to establish the land values as of January 1, 2023, in accordance with the German Federal Building Code (Baugesetzbuch, BauGB). These values are crucial for determining property taxes, assessing development costs, and ensuring fair compensation for landowners involved in such projects. The involvement of Bodenrichtwerte in the discussion signals just how much detail goes into a project of this magnitude.

Adding another layer to the narrative is the "Karriere bei Hess" (Career at Hess) aspect. Although the tile factory is no longer operational, the Hess name remains associated with other business ventures, potentially within the real estate or investment sectors. The call to "Start karriere gemeinsam bewegen" (Start your career, move together) suggests that the Hess family is actively seeking new talent to contribute to their ongoing endeavors. This could be interpreted as a strategic move to diversify their portfolio and capitalize on the economic growth spurred by Kyocera's presence in the region. This can be found on their website along with “stellenangebote ausbildung” (job openings training).

Beyond the corporate machinations and real estate deals, a more personal story emerges – that of individuals drawn to Waiblingen for professional and personal fulfillment. The provided text includes an intriguing glimpse into the life of a local athlete with a passion for triathlon. When asked about his love for triathlon, he responded that it "ist über die jahre gewachsen" (has grown over the years). This dedication reflects a broader trend of individuals finding community and purpose in Waiblingen, drawn by the town's blend of opportunity and quality of life. Dieter Waller is also mentioned as a mentor for the local athlete.

The athlete's sporting highlight in 2020, "Die wettkämpfe die es in dem jahr gab" (The competitions that took place that year), speaks to the resilience and determination of individuals who persevere despite challenging circumstances. This anecdote, though seemingly unrelated to the Kyocera-Hess deal, underscores the human element that often gets lost in discussions of corporate strategy and real estate transactions.

Another key piece of information is the mention of phone and fax numbers: +49 (0) 7151 54705 and +49 (0) 7151 966621. These numbers, presumably belonging to one of the businesses involved, serve as a tangible reminder of the real people and organizations behind this complex story. They represent lines of communication, channels for negotiation, and points of contact for those seeking further information.

The presence of "Traueranzeigen, todesanzeigen und beileidsbekundungen aus ihrer tageszeitung" (obituaries, death notices, and condolences from your daily newspaper) in the provided text introduces a somber note. While seemingly out of place, it serves as a reminder of the cycle of life and death that continues regardless of economic developments or corporate expansions. It also highlights the importance of local newspapers in providing a platform for community members to share their grief and offer support to one another.

The evolution of this land in Waiblingen presents a compelling case study in how local economies adapt to global pressures. Kyocera’s need for expansion mirrors the broader trend of globalization, where companies seek strategic locations to optimize production and distribution. The Hess family's involvement reflects the challenges and opportunities faced by family-owned businesses in a rapidly changing world. The city of Waiblingen’s role underscores the importance of municipal leadership in navigating these complex dynamics, balancing economic growth with the preservation of local heritage.

As Waiblingen continues to evolve, the story of the Kyocera-Hess deal serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of global markets, local communities, and individual lives. It is a story of negotiation, compromise, and ultimately, progress. The new Kyocera facility will undoubtedly bring economic benefits to the region, but its impact will extend far beyond mere financial gains. It will shape the landscape of Waiblingen, influence the lives of its residents, and contribute to the ongoing evolution of this vibrant German town.

The situation is far from resolved and it will be interesting to see how it unfolds.